Simply Put – Health and Safety Policies

Health and Safety Policies

This week’s Simply Put article is all about Health and Safety Policies, why they are important, and ways to think about their effectiveness. 

What is a health and safety policy?

A health and safety policy is where a company sets out their general approach and commitment to health and safety, along with specific procedures and arrangements for its business.

This document, unique to each business, is where companies outline who does what, when and how, with regards to health and safety.

Why is it important?

To be compliant with the law, businesses need a clear health and safety policy. However, good health and safety practice is about more than just compliance and legal duties. Take a look at our article here, outlining many benefits of good health and safety practice.

Is your health and safety policy effective?

There’s no use having a health and safety policy if it isn’t working and if it doesn’t relate to your business. There are a few questions businesses can ask themselves to begin to establish whether or not their health and safety policy is effective. These can include:

• Is the policy adhered to?
• Do the procedures and policies make sense?
• Are people aware of the procedures?
• Has adequate training been provided?
• Have there been any changes to the workplace that have not yet been reflected in the health and safety policy?

While it’s important to have a health and safety policy in place, it’s just as important for businesses to ensure that the policy is effective and implemented.

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